Across the Bay from Pilarcitos, in the Alameda Creek watershed, SFPUC finds itself involved in another steelhead restoration discussion, centered around the utility’s Calaveras Dam near Sunol Regional Wilderness. The reservoir created by the dam can hold about 97,000 acre-feet … Read more
View from the Ground
Most folks don’t think much of snakes unless they trip over them. It turns out that a remarkable diversity of serpents lives nearby, from beautiful red-bellied ring-necked snakes hiding under logs in damp woodlands to three- or four-foot rattlers sunning themselves on rocky slopes in Sunol Regional Wilderness. Able predators, many of our local snakes have evolved fascinating strategies for subduing their prey, whether rodents, amphibians, or even other snakes.
The Largest Turtle In the World Hunts Jellyfish Off the California Coast
The world’s largest turtle visits the Central California coast every summer.
Callippe Silverspot, a Rare and Endangered Native Butterfly
The endangered callippe silverspot butterfly was once common, but now it’s found only on San Bruno Mountain, one of the world’s hot spots of biodiversity and a spectacular bit of Bay Area wilderness.
Video: Tracking the Migration of Monarchs
The Ventana Wilderness Society follows the amazing journey of monarch butterflies.
Watching for Blue Bellies
We’ve all seen these plentiful little lizards flitting about our trails. Did you know they’re a critical food source and even help protect you from Lyme disease?
Video: Recovering the Tule Elk of Tomales Point
Recovering from near extinction in the 1870s, California’s tule elk populations have increased substantially. They can be appreciated at the preserve in Tomales Point at the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Video: Tour of the Tidepools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Viewing a diverse Bay Area ecosystem can be as simple as a trip to the beach.
Video: Great Blue Herons in Golden Gate Park
Blue herons nest in Golden Gate Park.
Video: Closeup With Bay Area Coyotes
The often-maligned coyote thrives in much of California, including a variety of habitats in the Bay Area.